The upcoming KBS2 drama I Took the Male Lead's First Night, starring Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and 2PM’s Taecyeon, has landed in hot water for allegedly damaging a UNESCO World Heritage Site during filming.

Architect Min Seo Hong sparked the controversy after visiting Byeongsan Seowon on December 30 and witnessing questionable actions by the drama’s production team. He shared his account on social media on January 2, posting photos of the filming setup.

Min explained, "I visited Byeongsan Seowon and saw staff hammering nails into the wooden pillars of Mandaeru to hang lights. Props were scattered across the site, and production vehicles filled the area. When I questioned the staff, they dismissively said they had permission from Andong City."

He added, "Even in traditional Korean houses, people hesitate to hammer nails. Greater care should be taken with cultural heritage. This isn’t something that can be brushed off just because approval was given."

Despite Min reporting the incident to Andong City’s cultural heritage office and media outlets, filming continued as planned. His criticism also raised questions about whether cultural heritage sites should even be used as filming locations.

The production team of I Took the Male Lead's First Night responded, stating, "We are currently investigating the situation".

The drama, set to air soon, is a fantasy romance about a college student whose soul ends up in the body of a minor character in a romance novel. With an obsessive male lead, the plot promises chaos and excitement.

While fans are excited to see Seohyun and Taecyeon in this unique story, the controversy surrounding the filming location has sparked heated discussions online, with many calling for stricter rules to protect cultural heritage sites.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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